Metro 2033
We decided to test Metro 2033 at multiple image quality levels rather than multiple resolutions, because there's quite a bit of opportunity to burden these graphics cards simply using this game's more complex shader effects. We used three different quality presets built into the game's benchmark utility, with the performance-destroying advanced depth-of-field shader disabled and tessellation enabled in each case.

The GeForce cards have an edge at the lower image quality presets, where frame rates are into the hundreds. Once we turn up all of the shader effects and detail settings, though, the standings even out somewhat. The result: the 6990 noses past the GTX 590, and AUSUM overcomes WICKED.